Powerful Iraqi cleric announces withdrawal from politics, sparking protests in Baghdad’s Green Zone
Hundreds of protesters stormed Iraq’s Republican Palace inside the zone following the announcement, Iraqi security officials told CNN on Monday.
The palace is where the Iraqi cabinet meets and Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has now suspended all meetings of his government until further notice, according to a statement released by his office.
Al-Sadr said he made a decision two months ago “not to interfere in political affairs,” but he was now announcing his “final retirement” from politics and shutting down all his political offices across the country, according to a statement released by his office on Monday.
At that time, he said his request was “a sacrifice from me for the country and the people to rid them of the unknown destiny.”
Iraq has struggled to form a new government since parliamentary elections in October which saw Iran-backed Shiite blocs losing seats to the Sadrists.
Al-Sadr, who has in the past positioned himself against both Iran and the United States, is popular in Iraq. However, his attempts to form a government have foundered in the months following the election amid opposition from rival blocs.
Finally in July, the Coordination Framework, the largest Shiite alliance in the Iraqi parliament, nominated Mohammed Shiya al-Sudani to lead the country — sparking a wave of protests by those loyal to al-Sadr.
Iraqi security forces on Monday called on thousands of protesters to withdraw immediately from inside the Green Zone. In a statement, the Iraqi military said they have been practicing “the highest levels of self-restraint and brotherly behavior to prevent clashes or the spilling of Iraqi blood.”
“The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, and public and private properties,” the statement said, adding: “Dealing with peaceful demonstrations is done through the constitution and laws, and the security forces will do their duty to protect security and stability.”
The military declared a full curfew in the Iraqi capital, including on vehicles and pedestrians, starting from 3:30 pm local time. This measure will be in place until further notice, according to a military statement.
